Who Can Be Held Liable For Snowmobile Accidents In Utah? (Hint: It’s Not Always The Driver)

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Posted On Oct, 26, 2018 By jardinelawoffices

Contrary to the popular belief, snowmobiles are not one of the safest means of transportation. Taking a snowmobile for a ride in Utah can be a wonderful and picturesque experience, which is why many people all across the state hop on snowmobiles to get closer to nature.

But riding a snowmobile can lead to a catastrophic accident. If you think about it, many things can go wrong when you take a snowmobile for a ride. It may seem like a harmless means of transportation, but it is not. “Snowmobiles can be very dangerous, as they have a tendency to flip, overturn, malfunction, and collide with other vehicles and objects,” says our Salt Lake City snowmobile accident attorney at Jardine Law Offices, P.C.

Snowmobile accidents and insurance policies in Utah

As if this was not enough, snowmobiles weigh at least 400 pounds and are capable of traveling a high speeds. More often than not, you may hear or read about one-vehicle accidents when a snowmobile is involved. And while you are thinking that the snowmobile driver is to blame for the accident in at least 90 percent of all accidents, this is not necessarily true.

In fact, multiple other parties could be held liable in snowmobile accidents, even in one-vehicle accidents. You may not have to pay for your medical bills and other expenses on your own. Get help from an experienced snowmobile accident attorney in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah to find out who is liable in your case.

Do keep in mind, however, that your auto insurance policy may not cover your snowmobile accident. Some auto insurance policies apply for both car and snowmobile accidents, while most insurance companies require consumers to purchase coverage specific to snowmobiles.

Driver’s fault

If you were injured in a snowmobile accident as a passenger, you may be able to hold the driver liable for your injuries and damages. If the driver is someone who was paid to take you for a ride on a snowmobile, you may be able to get compensation by proving reckless driving. If the driver is your friend or family member, on the other hand, you may have to speak to him or her about the possibility of recovering damages. If it does not go well, consider filing a lawsuit against him or her, no matter how ridiculous it might sound.

Malfunction or inadequate maintenance

Many snowmobile accidents are caused by a snowmobile malfunction. You may be surprised how many snowmobiles have defective parts and components, which puts you at risk of injury even if do not realize it. In order to recover compensation for injuries caused in a snowmobile accident resulting from a malfunction, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the vehicle and/or its parts and components.

Also, if you were in a snowmobile accident after you borrowed the vehicle from a snowmobile rentals provider, you may be able to hold the provider liable for your damages as well. “That is because snowmobile rentals providers have a duty to inspect and maintain their vehicles in good condition,” says our Salt Lake City snowmobile accident attorney.

Poor trail conditions

If your snowmobile accident occurred in a state park or other public property, you may be able to hold the government liable. Under Utah law, the state, city, or municipality have a duty to keep public properties in a good condition and free of hazards, and this includes snowmobile trails on public properties.

Other motorists

If your snowmobile collided with another vehicle, you may be able to sue the driver of that vehicle. If you have collided with a passenger car, insurance companies will most likely be biased against you, because they tend to think that all snowmobile drivers are reckless and are at-fault for all accidents (which is not true, obviously).